Bernie Custis is a former American and Canadian football player who went on to a distinguished coaching career. He is known for being the first black professional quarterback in the modern era and first in professional Canadian football, starting for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (Big Four) in 1951. He was both a quarterback and running back with the Tiger-Cats until 1954, prior to playing for Ottawa in 1955 and 1956.

He was a Grey Cup Winner with the Cats in 1953.

Custis was a star quarterback at Syracuse University from 1948 to 1950, setting numerous records that would last for decades.

Following his playing days Custis started a career as a teacher and principal and coached the East York, Oakville and Burlington Juniors.

From 1973 he won six straight Eastern titles with Sheridan College.

Custis then spent 8 years at McMaster University, starting in 1981 and took them from 7th to 1st place.